Zhen Yan PhD
Zhen Yan
PhD
SUNY Distinguished Professor
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Cytoskeleton and cell motility; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular Basis of Disease; Neurobiology; Neurodegenerative disorders; Neuropharmacology; Pathophysiology; Signal Transduction
Professional Summary:
Synaptic and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Mental Health and Disorders
Our research goal is to understand the synaptic action of various neuromodulators that are linked to mental health and illnesses, including disease susceptibility genes, stress hormones, and monoamines. Specifically, we try to understand how these neuromodulators regulate glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is important for emotional and cognitive control under normal conditions. We also try to understand how the aberrant action of neuromodulators under pathological conditions leads to dysregulation of synaptic transmission in PFC, which is commonly implicated in brain disorders. Recently, we are focusing on investigating how epigenetic abnormality caused by genetic and environmental factors results in pathological gene alterations, leading to synaptic dysfunction and behavioral deficits related to autism, stress-associated psychiatric disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
Multidisciplinary approaches are integrated in our studies, which include:
• whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of synaptic currents in brain slices,
• multichannel recordings of neuronal spikes in anesthetized or free-moving animals,
• viral-based in vivo gene transfer,
• biochemical and immunocytochemical detection of synaptic or nuclear proteins,
• transcriptomic and molecular analysis of genetic and epigenetic alterations,
• chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulation of neuronal circuits,
• behavioral assays of cognitive, social and emotional processes.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, The Rockefeller University (2000)
- PhD, University of Tennessee, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN (1997)
- Southeast University, Nanjing, China (1993)
- BS, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China (1990)
Employment:
- Professor, Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2008-present)
- Associate Professor, Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2004–2008)
- Assistant Professor, Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2000–2004)
Awards and Honors:
- SUNY Distinguished Professor (2018)
- SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities (2013)
- University at Buffalo Exceptional Scholar Award for Sustained Achievement (2012)
- The George W. Thorn Young Investigator Award (2006)
- National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) Independent Investigator Award (2004)
- University at Buffalo Exceptional Scholar Award for Young Investigators (2002)
- University at Buffalo Top 100 Federal Grantee (2002)
- National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) Young Investigator Award (1999)
- National Parkinson Foundation Menek Goldstein Research Scholar Award (1998)
Research Expertise:
- Alzheimer‘s Disease: beta-amyloid, tau, cholinergic deficency, NMDA receptors, epigenetic-based treatment
- Autism: autism risk factors, Shank3, Cul3, social deficits, epigenetic-based treatment
- cytoskeleton and cell motility: microtubule motors, actin regulators, ion channel trafficking
- Epigenetic mechanisms of brain disorders: histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, ChIPseq
- Molecular and Cellular Biology: signaling molecules, regulation of ion channels
- Molecular Basis of Disease: dopamine, serotonin, stress hormones, risk factors for mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and autism
- Neurobiology: electrophysiology, synaptic transmission and plasticity, glutamte receptors, GABA receptors, ion channel regulation
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: pathophysiological mechanisms of Alzheimer‘s Disease and Huntington‘s Disease
- Neuropharmacology: new antipsychotic drugs, identify novel drug targts for autism and AD
- Psychiatry: pathophysiological mechanisms for autism, schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, ADHD
- Signal Transduction: G protein-coupled receptors, nuclear hormone recepors, protein kinases, phosphatases, proteases, epigenetic enzymes
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- April 2021–January 2026
Synaptic and Genetic Mechanisms of Sex-Specific Effects of Stress
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$2,621,841 - August 2019–March 2024
Targeting Histone K4 Methylation for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$2,532,180 - April 2020–March 2022
New Treatment Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease
NIH
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$438,625 - April 2017–March 2022
A Novel Epigenetic Mechanism for Alzheimer's Disease
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,993,750 - August 2015–July 2020
Physiological and Pathophysiological Basis of Stress
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,993,750 - July 2014–June 2019
Functions of D4 Dopamine Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,590,000 - February 2016–January 2019
Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Autism
Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$540,000 - April 2013–September 2017
A Novel Pathophysiological Mechanism of Alzheimer's Disease
Department of Veterans Affairs
Role: Principal Investigator
$600,000 - July 2013–June 2015
Synaptic Functions of Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1)
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$435,875 - September 2010–June 2014
Synaptic Changes by Stress in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,268,000 - July 2008–June 2013
Functions of D4 Dopamine Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,662,865 - April 2010–March 2012
Aberrant GABAAR Trafficking and Synaptic Inhibition in Huntington's Disease
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$435,875 - July 2005–June 2008
A New Protective Mechanism for Stoke: Calpain Regulation of Glutamate Receptor Functions
American Heart Association
Role: Principal Investigator
$181,500 - July 2004–June 2008
Functions of D4 Dopamine Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,306,240 - June 2003–May 2008
The Role of Cholinergic Functions in Alzheimer‘s Disease
National Institute of Aging
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,749,047 - December 2001–November 2006
Neuromodulator Actions in Prefrontal Cortical Neurons
National Institute of Mental Health
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,360,603
Journal Articles:
- Zheng Y, Liu A, Wang ZJ, Cao Q, Wang W, Lin L, Ma K, Zhang F, Wei J, Matas E, Cheng J, Chen GJ, Wang X, Yan Z. (2019) Inhibition of EHMT1/2 rescues synaptic and cognitive functions for Alzheimer‘s disease. Brain (Jan), 142(3): 787-807.
- Qin L, Ma K, Wang ZJ, Hu Z, Matas E, Wei J, Yan Z. (2018) Social deficits in Shank3-deficient mouse models of autism are rescued by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition. Nature Neuroscience (Mar), 21: 564-575.
- Zhong P, Hu Z, Jiang H, Yan Z, Feng J. (2017) Dopamine induces oscillatory activity in human midbrain neurons with Parkin mutation. Cell Reports (May), 19: 1033-1044.
- Wei J, Yuen EY, Liu W, Li X, Zhong P, Karatsoreos IN, McEwen BS, Yan Z. (2014) Estrogen protects against the detrimental effects of repeated stress on glutamatergic transmission and cognition. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 19: 588-598.
- Rein B, Ma K, Yan Z. (2020) A standardized social preference protocol for measuring social deficits in mouse models of autism. Nature Protocols (Aug), 15: 3464-3477.
- Duffney LJ, Zhong P, Wei J, Matas E, Cheng J, Qin L, Ma K, Dietz DM, Kajiwara Y, Buxbaum JD, Yan Z. (2015) Autism-like deficits in Shank3-deficient mice are rescued by targeting actin regulators. Cell Reports (May), 11: 1400-1413.
- Jiang H, Ren Y, Yuen EY, Zhong P, Ghaedi M, Hu Z, Azabdaftari G, Nakaso K, Yan Z, Feng J. (2012) Parkin controls dopamine utilization in human midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Nature Communications (Feb), 3: 668.
- Yuen EY, Wei J, Liu W, Zhong P, Li X, Yan Z. (2012) Repeated stress causes cognitive impairment by suppressing glutamate receptor expression and function in prefrontal cortex. Neuron (Mar), 73: 962-977.
- Popoli M, Yan Z, McEwen BS, Sanacora G. (2011) The stressed synapse: the impact of stress and glucocorticoids on glutamate transmission. Nature Review Neuroscience (Dec), 13: 22-37.
- Lepack AE, Werner CT, Stewart AF, Fulton SL, Zhong P, Farrelly LA, Smith ACW, Ramakrishnan A, Lyu Y, Bastle RM, Martin JA, Mitra S, O‘Connor RM, Wang ZJ, Molina H, Turecki G, Shen L, Yan Z, Calipari ES, Dietz DM, Kenny PJ, Maze I. (2020) Dopaminylation of histone H3 in ventral tegmental area regulates cocaine seeking. Science (Feb), 368(6487): 197-201.
- Zhong P, Qin L, Yan Z. (2020) Dopamine Differentially Regulates Response Dynamics of Prefrontal Cortical Principal Neurons and Interneurons to Optogenetic Stimulation of Inputs from Ventral Tegmental Area. Cereb Cortex (Jun), 30(8): 4402-4409.
- Rein B, Tan T, Yang F, Wang W, Williams J, Zhang F, Mills A, Yan Z. (2020) Reversal of synaptic and behavioral deficits in a 16p11.2 duplication mouse model via restoration of the GABA synapse regulator Npas4. Mol Psychiatry (Feb), Epub.
- Rein B, Yan Z, Wang ZJ. (2020) Diminished social interaction incentive contributes to social deficits in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Genes Brain Behav. (Jan), 19(1): e1261.
- Martin JA, Werner CT, Mitra S, Zhong P, Wang ZJ, Gobira PH, Stewart AF, Zhang J, Erias K, Siemian JN, Hagarty D, Mueller LE, Neve RL, Li JX, Chandra R, Dietz KC, Lobo MK, Gancarz AM, Yan Z, Dietz DM, Dietz D. (2019) A novel role for the actin-binding protein drebrin in regulating opiate addiction. Nat Commun (Sep), 10(1): 4140-4140.
- Rapanelli M, Tan T, Wang W, Wang X, Wang ZJ, Zhong P, Frick L, Qin L, Ma K, Qu J, Yan Z. (2019) Behavioral, circuitry, and molecular aberrations by region-specific deficiency of the high-risk autism gene Cul3. Mol Psychiatry (Aug), Epub.
- Jin J, Bhatti DL, Lee KW, Medrihan L, Cheng J, Wei J, Zhong P, Yan Z, Kooiker C, Song C, Ahn JH, Obermair GJ, Lee A, Gresack J, Greengard P, Kim Y. (2020) Ahnak scaffolds p11/Anxa2 complex and L-type voltage-gated calcium channel and modulates depressive behavior. Molecular Psychiatry (May), 25(5): 1035-1049.
- Wang ZJ, Zhong P, Ma K, Seo JS, Yang F, Hu Z, Zhang F, Lin L, Wang J, Liu T, Matas E, Greengard P, Yan Z. (2020) Amelioration of autism-like social deficits by targeting histone methyltransferases EHMT1/2 in Shank3-deficient mice. Molecular Psychiatry (Jun), 25: 2517-2533.
- Zhu BL, Long Y, Luo W, Yan Z, Lai YJ, Zhao LG, Zhou WH, Wang YJ, Shen LL, Liu L, Deng XJ, Wang XF, Sun F, Chen GJ. (2019) MMP13 inhibition rescues cognitive decline in Alzheimer transgenic mice via BACE1 regulation. Brain (Jan), 142: 176-192.
- Tan T, Wang W, Williams J, Ma K, Cao Q, Yan Z. (2018) Stress exposure in dopamine D4 receptor knockout mice induces schizophrenia-like behaviors via disruption of GABAergic transmission. Schizophrenia Bulletin (Oct)1-12.
- Wang W, Rein B, Tan T, Zhang F, Qin L, Yan Z. (2018) Chemogenetic activation of prefrontal cortex rescues synaptic and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion syndrome. Journal of Neuroscience (Jun), 38: 5939-5948.
- Ma K, Qin L, Matas M, Duffney LJ, Liu A, Yan Z. (2018) Histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 restores social and synaptic function in a Shank3-deficient mouse model of autism. Neuropsychopharmacology (Apr), 43: 1779-1788.
- Seo JS, Zhong P, Liu A, Yan Z, Greengard P. (2018) Elevation of p11 in lateral habenula mediates depression-like behavior. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 23: 1113-1119.
- Wei J, Zhong P, Qin L, Tan T, Yan Z. (2017) Chemicogenetic restoration of the prefrontal cortex to amygadala pathway ameliorates stress-induced deficits. Cerebral Cortex (May), 00: 1-11.
- Cheng J, Liu A, Shi MY, Yan Z. (2017) Disrupted glutamatergic transmission in prefrontal cortex contributes to behavioral abnormality in an animal model of ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology (Feb), 42: 2096-2104.
- Seo JS, Wei J, Qin L, Kim Y, Yan Z, Greengard P. (2017) Molecular and cellular basis for stress-induced depression. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 22: 1440-1447.
- Matasci N, Hung LH, Yan Z, Carpenter EJ, Wickett NJ, Mirarab S, Nguyen N, Warnow T, Ayyampalayam S, Barker M, Burleigh JG, Gitzendanner MA, Wafula E, Der JP, dePamphilis CW, Roure B, Philippe H, Ruhfel BR, Miles NW, Graham SW, Mathews S, Surek B, Melkonian M, Soltis DE, Soltis PS, Rothfels C, Pokorny L, Shaw JA, DeGironimo L, Stevenson DW, Villarreal JC, Chen T, Kutchan TM, Rolf M, Baucom RS, Deyholos MK, Samudrala R, Tian Z, Wu X, Sun X, Zhang Y, Wang J, Leebens-Mack J, Wong GK. (2014) Data access for the 1,000 Plants (1KP) project. Gigascience (Oct), 3: 17-17.
- Jiang H, Ren Y, Yuen EY, Zhong P, Ghaedi M, Hu Z, Azabdaftari G, Nakaso K, Yan Z, Feng J. (2012) Parkin controls dopamine utilization in human midbrain dopaminergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun (Feb), 3: 668-668.
- Liu W, Dou F, Feng J, Yan Z. (2011) RACK1 is involved in β-amyloid impairment of muscarinic regulation of GABAergic transmission. Neurobiol Aging (Oct), 32(10): 1818-1826.
- Arancibia-Cárcamo IL, Yuen EY, Muir J, Lumb MJ, Michels G, Saliba RS, Smart TG, Yan Z, Kittler JT, Moss SJ. (2009) Ubiquitin-dependent lysosomal targeting of GABA(A) receptors regulates neuronal inhibition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Oct), 106(41): 17552-17557.
- Saliba RS, Gu Z, Yan Z, Moss SJ. (2009) Blocking L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels with dihydropyridines reduces gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor expression and synaptic inhibition. J Biol Chem (Nov), 284(47): 32544-32550.
- Mandal M, Yan Z. (2009) PIP2 Regulation of NMDA Receptor Channels in Cortical Neurons. Mol Pharmacol (Dec), 76: 1349-1359.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Karatsoreos IN, Feng J, McEwen BS, Yan Z. (2009) Acute stress enhances glutamatergic transmission in prefrontal cortex and facilitates working memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Aug), 106(33): 14075-14079.
- Gu Z, Liu W, Yan Z. (2009) {beta}-Amyloid impairs AMPA receptor trafficking and function by reducing Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II synaptic distribution. J Biol Chem (Apr), 284(16): 10639-10649.
- Graziane NM, Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2009) Dopamine D4 Receptors Regulate GABAA Receptor Trafficking via an Actin/Cofilin/Myosin-dependent Mechanism. J Biol Chem (Mar), 284(13): 8329-8336.
- Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2009) Dopamine D4 receptors regulate AMPA receptor trafficking and glutamatergic transmission in GABAergic interneurons of prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Jan), 29(2): 550-562.
- Ding W, Beissert S, Deng L, Miranda E, Cassetty C, Seiffert K, Campton KL, Yan Z, Murphy GF, Bluestone JA, Granstein RD. (2003) Altered cutaneous immune parameters in transgenic mice overexpressing viral IL-10 in the epidermis. J Clin Invest (Jun), 111(12): 1923-1931.
- Campton K, Ding W, Yan Z, Ozawa H, Seiffert K, Miranda E, Lonati A, Beissert S, Granstein RD. (2000) Tumor antigen presentation by dermal antigen-presenting cells. J Invest Dermatol (Jul), 115(1): 57-61.
- Chen G, Greengard P, YAN Z. (2004) Potentiation of NMDA receptor currents by dopamine D1 receptors in prefrontal cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Feb), 101: 2596-2600.
- Yan Z, Hsieh-Wilson L, Feng J, Tomizawa K, Allen PB, Fienberg AA, Nairn AC, Greengard P. (1999) Protein phosphatase 1 modulation of neostriatal AMPA channels: regulation by DARPP-32 and spinophilin. Nat Neurosci (Jan), 2(1): 13-17.
- Yuen EY, Zhong P, Li X, Wei J, Yan Z. (2013) Restoration of glutamatergic transmission by dopamine D4 receptors in stressed animals. J. Biol. Chem. (Feb), 288: 26112-26120.
- Kittler JT, Chen G, Honing S, Bogdanov Y, McAinsh K, Arancibia-Carcamo IL, Jovanovic JN, Pangalos MN, Haucke V, Yan Z, Moss SJ. (2005) Phospho-dependent binding of the clathrin AP2 adaptor complex to GABAA receptors regulates the efficacy of inhibitory synaptic transmission. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (Oct), 102: 14871-14876.
- Bibb JA, Snyder GL, Nishi A, Yan Z, Meijer L, Fienberg AA, Tsai LH, Kwon YT, Girault JA, Czernik AJ, Huganir RL, Hemmings HC, Nairn AC, Greengard P. (1999) Phosphorylation of DARPP-32 by Cdk5 modulates dopamine signalling in neurons. Nature (Dec), 402(6762): 669-671.
- Yuen EY, Qin L, Wei J, Liu W, Liu A, Yan Z. (2014) Synergistic regulation of glutamatergic transmission by serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in prefrontal cortical neurons. J. Biol. Chem. (Jun), 289: 25177-25185.
- Yuen EY, Li X, Wei J, Horiguchi M, Meltzer HY, Yan Z. (2012) The novel antipsychotic drug lurasidone enhances NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses. Mol Pharmacol (Jan), 81: 113-119.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Yan Z. (2007) The phosphorylation state of GluR1 subunits determines the susceptibility of AMPA receptors to calpain cleavage. J Biol Chem (Apr), Epub.
- Wang Q, Charych EI, Pulito VL, Lee JB, Graziane NM, Crozier RA, Revilla-Sanchez R, Kelly MP, Dunlop AJ, Murdoch H, Taylor N, Xie Y, Pausch M, Hayashi-Takagi A, Ishizuka K, Seshadri S, Bates B, Kariya K, Sawa A, Weinberg RJ, Moss SJ, Houslay MD, Yan Z, Brandon NJ. (2011) The psychiatric disease risk factors DISC1 and TNIK interact to regulate synapse composition and function. Molecular Psychiatry (Sep), 16: 1006-1023.
- Plattner F, Hayashi K, Hernandez A, Benavides DR, Tassin TC, Tan C, Day J, Fina MW, Yuen EY, Yan Z, Goldberg MS, Nairn AC, Greengard P, Nestler EJ, Taussig R, Nishi A, Houslay MD & Bibb JA. (2015) The role of ventral striatal cAMP signaling in stress-induced behaviors. Nature Neuroscience (Feb), 18: 1094-1100.
- Liu W, Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2010) The stress hormone corticosterone increases synaptic AMPA receptors via SGK regulation of the GDI-Rab4 complex. J. Biol. Chem. (Mar), 285: 6101-6108.
- Yan Z, Chi P, Bibb JA, Ryan TA, Greengard P. (2002) Roscovitine: a novel regulator of P/Q-type calcium channels and transmitter release in central neurons. J Physiol (May), 540(Pt 3): 761-770.
- Cai X, Gu Z, Zhong P, Ren Y, Yan Z. (2002) Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors regulate AMPA receptor channels through inhibiting Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II in prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. J Biol Chem (Sep), 277(39): 36553-36562.
- Yuen EY Jiang Q Chen P Gu Z Feng J Yan Z. (2005) Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors regulate NMDA receptor channels through a microtubule-dependent mechanism. J Neurosci (Jun), 25: 5488-5501.
- Feng J, Cai X, Zhao J, Yan Z. (2001) Serotonin receptors modulate GABA(A) receptor channels through activation of anchored protein kinase C in prefrontal cortical neurons. J Neurosci (Sep), 21(17): 6502-6511.
- Bibb JA, Yan Z, Svenningsson P, Snyder GL, Pieribone VA, Horiuchi A, Nairn AC, Messer A, Greengard P. (2000) Severe deficiencies in dopamine signaling in presymptomatic Huntington's disease mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Jun), 97(12): 6809-6814.
- Feng J, Yan Z, Ferreira A, Tomizawa K, Liauw JA, Zhuo M, Allen PB, Ouimet CC, Greengard P. (2000) Spinophilin regulates the formation and function of dendritic spines. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Aug), 97(16): 9287-9292.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Kafri T, van Praag H, Yan Z. (2010) Regulation of AMPA receptor channels and synaptic plasticity by cofilin phosphatase slingshot in cortical neurons. J. Physiology (May).
- Liu F, Ma XH, Ule J, Bibb JA, Nishi A, DeMaggio AJ, Yan Z, Nairn AC, Greengard P. (2001) Regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and casein kinase 1 by metabotropic glutamate receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Sep), 98(20): 11062-11068.
- Yan Z. (2002) Regulation of GABAergic inhibition by serotonin signaling in prefrontal cortex: molecular mechanisms and functional implications. Molecular Neurobiology (Nov), 26: 203-216.
- Wu HY Yuen EY Lu YF Matsushita M Matsui H Yan Z Tomizawa K. (2005) Regulation of NMDA receptors by calpain in cortical neurons. J Biol Chem (Jun), 280: 21588-21593.
- Wei J, Graziane NM, Wang H, Zhong P, Wang Q, Liu W, Hayashi-Takagi A, Korth C, Sawa A, Brandon NJ, Yan Z. (2014) Regulation of NMDA receptors by Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1). Biol. Psychiatry (Feb), 75: 414-424.
- Wang X, Zhong P, Gu Z, Yan Z. (2003) Regulation of NMDA receptors by dopamine D4 signaling in prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Oct), 23(30): 9852-9861.
- Gu Z, Liu W, Wei J, Yan Z. (2012) Regulation of NMDA receptors by metabotropic glutamate receptor 7. J. Biol. Chem. (Mar), 287: 10265-10275.
- Gu Z Jiang Q Fu AKY Ip NY Yan Z. (2005) Regulation of NMDA receptors by neuregulin signaling in prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (May), 25: 4974-4984.
- Chen G, Chen P, Tan H, Ma D, Dou F, Feng J, Yan Z. (2008) Regulation of the NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic response by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and its impairment in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol. Aging (Jan), 29: 1795-1804.
- Kastning K, Kukhtina V, Kittler JT, Chen G, Enders S, Pechstein A, Lee SH, Sheng M, Yan Z, Haucke V. (2007) Molecular determinants for the interaction between AMPA receptors and the clathrin adaptor complex AP-2. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Mar), 104: 2991-2996.
- Stewart AE, Yan Z, Surmeier DJ, Foehring RC. (1999) Muscarine modulates Ca2+ channel currents in rat sensorimotor pyramidal cells via two distinct pathways. J Neurophysiol (Jan), 81(1): 72-84.
- Yan Z, Surmeier DJ. (1996) Muscarinic (m2/m4) receptors reduce N- and P-type Ca2+ currents in rat neostriatal cholinergic interneurons through a fast, membrane-delimited, G-protein pathway. J Neurosci (Apr), 16(8): 2592-2604.
- Ma XH, Zhong P, Gu Z, Feng J, Yan Z. (2003) Muscarinic potentiation of GABA(A) receptor currents is gated by insulin signaling in the prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Feb), 23(4): 1159-1168.
- Jiang Q, Yan Z, Feng J. (2006) Neurotrophic factors protect against rotenone toxicity on dopaminergic neurons through a microtubule-dependent mechanism. J Biol Chem (Sep), 281: 29391-29400.
- Hayashi-Takagi A, Araki Y, Nakamura M, Vollrath B, Duron SG, Yan Z, Kasai H, Huganir RL, Campbell DA, Sawa A. (2014) PAKs inhibitors ameliorate schizophrenia-associated dendritic spine deterioration in vitro and in vivo during late adolescence. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Mar), 111: 6461-6466.
- Gu Z, Zhong P, Yan Z. (2003) Activation of muscarinic receptors inhibits beta-amyloid peptide – induced signaling in cortical slices. J Biol Chem (May), 278: 17546-17556.
- Rein B and Yan Z. (2020) 16p11.2 copy number variations and neurodevelopmental disorders. Trends in Neuroscience (Sep), Epub.
- Gu Z, Jiang Q, Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2006) Activation of dopamine D4 receptors induces synaptic translocation of CaMKII in cultured prefrontal cortical neurons. Mol Pharmacol (Feb), 69: 813-822.
- Jiang Q, Yan Z, Feng J. (2006) Activation of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors attenuates rotenone toxicity on dopaminergic neurons through a microtubule-dependent mechanism. J Neurosci (Apr), 26: 4318-4328.
- Liu W, Yuen EY, Allen P, Feng J, Greengard P, Yan Z. (2006) a1 and a2 adrenergic regulation of NMDA receptor currents in prefrontal cortical neurons: distinct roles of spinophilin and RGS proteins. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Nov), 108: 18338-18343.
- Wang X, Gu Z, Zhong P, Chen G, Feng J, Yan Z. (2006) Aberrant regulation of NMDAR functions by dopamine D4 receptors in rats after phencyclidine exposure. Mol and Cell Neurosci (Jan), 31: 15-25.
- Zhong P, Liu W, Yan Z. (2016) Aberrant regulation of synchronous network activity by the ADHD-associated human dopamine D4 receptor variant D4.7 in prefrontal cortex. J. Physiol. (Jan), 594: 135-147.
- Chen GJ, Xiong Z, Yan Z. (2013) Abeta impairs nicotinic regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission and interneuron excitability in prefrontal cortex. Molecular Neurodegeneration (Jan), 8(3).
- Gu Z, Cheng J, Zhong P, Qin L, Liu W, Yan Z. (2014) Abeta selectively impairs mGluR7 modulation of NMDA signaling in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons: implication in Alzheimer’s disease. J. Neurosci. (Aug), 34: 13614-13628.
- Cai X, Flores-Hernandez J, Feng J, Yan Z. (2002) Activity-dependent bidirectional regulation of GABA(A) receptor channels by the 5-HT(4) receptor-mediated signalling in rat prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. J Physiol (May), 540(Pt 3): 743-759.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Karatsoreos IN, Feng J, McEwen BS, Yan Z. (2009) Acute stress enhances glutamatergic transmission in prefrontal cortex and facilitates working memory. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Aug), 106: 14075-14079.
- Yuen EY, Gu Z, Yan Z. (2007) Calpain regulation of AMPA receptor channels in cortical pyramidal neurons. J Physiol (Apr), 580: 241-254.
- Jiang H, Xu Z, Zhong P, Ren Y, Liang G, Schilling HA, Hu Z, Zhang Y, Wang X, Chen S, Yan Z, Feng J. (2015) Cell cycle and p53 gate the direct conversion of human fibroblasts to dopaminergic neurons. Nature Communications (Dec), 6: 10100.
- Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2011) Cellular mechanisms for dopamine D4 receptor-induced homeostatic regulation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. J Biol Chem. (Jul), 286(28): 24957-24965.
- Joiner MA, Lisé MF, Yuen EY, Kam A, Hall DD, Malik ZA, Qian H, Chen Y, Ulrich JD, Burette AC, Weinberg RJ, Law PY, El-Husseini A, Yan Z, Hell JW. (2010) Assembly of a b2-adrenergic receptor- GluR1 signaling complex for localized cAMP signaling. EMBO J (Jan), 29: 482-495.
- Tyszkiewicz JP Yan Z. (2005) b-Amyloid peptides impair PKC-dependent functions of metabotropic glutamate receptors in prefrontal cortical neurons. J Neurophysiol (Jun), 93: 3102-3111.
- Zhong P Yan Z. (2004) Chronic antidepressant treatment alters the serotonergic regulation of GABA transmission in prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. Neurosci (Jan), 129: 65-73.
- Allen PB, Hsieh-Wilson L, Yan Z, Feng J, Ouimet CC, Greengard P. (1999) Control of protein phosphatase-1 in the dendrite. Biochem. Soc. Trans (Aug), 27(4): 543-546.
- Surmeier DJ, Song WJ, Yan Z. (1996) Coordinated expression of dopamine receptors in neostriatal medium spiny neurons. J Neurosci (Oct), 16(20): 6579-6591.
- Yan Z, Flores-Hernandez J, Surmeier DJ. (2001) Coordinated expression of muscarinic receptor mRNAs in striatal medium spiny neurons. Neuroscience (Mar), 103: 1017-1024.
- Tan H, Zhong P, YAN Z. (2004) Corticotropin-releasing factor and acute stress prolongs serotonergic regulation of GABA transmission in prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. J Neurosci (May), 24(21): 5000-5008.
- Flores-Hernandez J, Hernandez S, Snyder GL, Yan Z, Fienberg AA, Moss SJ, Greengard P, Surmeier DJ. (2000) D(1) dopamine receptor activation reduces GABA(A) receptor currents in neostriatal neurons through a PKA/DARPP-32/PP1 signaling cascade. J Neurophysiol (May), 83(5): 2996-3004.
- Yan Z, Feng J, Fienberg AA, Greengard P. (1999) D(2) dopamine receptors induce mitogen-activated protein kinase and cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Sep), 96(20): 11607-11612.
- Yan Z, Song WJ, Surmeier J. (1997) D2 dopamine receptors reduce N-type Ca2+ currents in rat neostriatal cholinergic interneurons through a membrane-delimited, protein-kinase-C-insensitive pathway. J Neurophysiol (Feb), 77(2): 1003-1015.
- Chen G, Kittler JT, Moss SJ, Yan Z. (2006) Dopamine D3 receptors regulate GABAA receptor function through a phospho-dependent endocytosis mechanism in nucleus accumbens. J Neurosci (Mar), 26: 2511-2519.
- Gu Z, Jiang Q, Yan Z. (2007) RGS4 modulates serotonin signaling in prefrontal cortex and links to serotonin dysfunction in a rat model of schizophrenia. Mol Pharmacol (Apr), 71: 1030-1039.
- Duffney LJ, Wei J, Cheng J, Liu W, Smith KR, Kittler JT, Yan Z. (2013) Shank3 deficiency induces NMDA receptor hypofunction via an actin-dependent mechanism. J. Neurosci. (Oct), 33: 15767-15778.
- Cheng J, Liu W, Duffney LJ, Yan Z. (2013) SNARE proteins are essential in the potentiation of NMDA receptors by group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. J Physiol (Aug), 591: 3935-3947.
- Davila V, Yan Z, Craciun LC, Logothetis D, Sulzer D. (2003) D3 dopamine autoreceptors do not activate G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel currents in substantia nigra dopamine neurons. J Neurosci (Jul), 23(13): 5693-5697.
- Yan Z, Surmeier DJ. (1997) D5 dopamine receptors enhance Zn2+-sensitive GABA(A) currents in striatal cholinergic interneurons through a PKA/PP1 cascade. Neuron (Nov), 19(5): 1115-1126.
- Twelvetrees AE, Yuen EY, Arancibia-Carcamo IL, Rostaing P, Lumb MJ, Humbert S, Triller A, Saudou F, Yan Z, Kittler JT. (2010) Delivery of GABAARs to synapses is mediated by HAP1-KIF5 and disrupted by mutant huntingtin. Neuron (Jan), 65: 53-65.
- Hayashi-Takagi A, Takaki M, Graziane N, Seshadri S, Murdoch H, Dunlop AJ, Makino Y, Seshadri AJ, Ishizuka K, Srivastava DP, Xie Z, Baraban JM, Houslay MD, Tomoda T, Brandon NJ, Kamiya A, Yan Z, Penzes P, Sawa A. (2010) Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) regulates spines of the glutamate synapse via Rac1. Nat Neurosci. (Feb), 13: 327-332.
- Zhong P, Yan Z. (2014) Distinct physiological effects of dopamine D4 receptors on prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons and fast-spiking interneurons. Cerebral Cortex (Sep)epub.
- Allen PB, Zachariou V, Svenningsson P, Lepore AC, Centonze D, Costa C, Rossi S, Bender G, Chen G, Feng J, Snyder GL, Yan Z, Calabresi P, Greengard P. (2006) Distinct roles for spinophilin and neurabin in dopamine-mediated plasticity. Neurosci (Jul), 140: 897-911.
- Wang X, Zhong P, Yan Z. (2002) Dopamine D4 receptors modulate GABAergic signaling in pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Nov), 22(21): 9185-9193.
- Gu Z Yan Z. (2004) Bi-directional regulation of CaMKII activity by dopamine D4 receptors in prefrontal cortex. Mol Pharmacol (Oct), 66: 948-955.
- Xu Z, Jiang H, Zhong P, Yan Z, Chen SD, Feng J. (2016) Direct conversion of human fibroblasts to induced serotonergic neurons. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 21: 62-70.
- Wei J, Graziane NM, Gu Z, and Yan Z. (2015) DISC1 protein regulates GABAA receptor trafficking and inhibitory synaptic transmission in cortical neurons. J. Biol. Chem. (Aug), 290: 27680-27687.
- Yuen EY, Wei J, Zhong P, Yan Z. (2012) Disrupted GABAAR trafficking and synaptic inhibition in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease. Neurobiology of Disease (Mar), 46: 497-502.
- Wei J, Xiong Z, Lee JB, Cheng J, Duffney LJ, Matas E, Yan Z. (2016) Histone modification of Nedd4 ubiquitin ligase controls the loss of AMPA receptors and cognitive impairment induced by repeated stress. J. Neurosci. (Feb), 36: 2119-2130.
- Mandal M, Wei J, Zhong P, Chen J, Duffney LJ, Liu W, Yuen EY, Twelvetrees AE, Li S, Li XJ, Kittler JT, Yan Z. (2011) Impaired AMPA receptor trafficking and function by mutant huntingtin. J. Biol. Chem. (Sep), 286(39): 33719-33728.
- Zhong P, Gu Z, Wang X, Jiang H, Feng J, Yan Z. (2003) Impaired modulation of GABAergic transmission by muscarinic receptors in a mouse transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem (Jul), 278(29): 26888-26896.
- Mermelstein PG, Song WJ, Tkatch T, Yan Z, Surmeier DJ. (1998) Inwardly rectifying potassium (IRK) currents are correlated with IRK subunit expression in rat nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons. J Neurosci (Sep), 18(17): 6650-6661.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Karatsoreos IN, Ren Y, McEwen BS, Yan Z, Feng J. (2011) Mechanisms for acute stress-induced enhancement of glutamatergic transmission and working memory. Molecular Psychiatry (Feb), 16(2): 156-170.
- Plattner F, Hernandez A, Kistler TM, Pozo K, Zhong P, Yuen EY, Tan C, Hawasli AH, Cooke SF, Nishi A, Guo A, Weiderhold T, Yan Z, Bibb JA. (2014) Memory enhancement by targeting Cdk5 regulation of NR2B. Neuron (May), 81: 1070-1083.
- Cheng J, Xiong Z, Duffney LJ, Wei J, Liu AY, Liu S, Chen GJ, Yan Z. (2014) Methylphenidate exerts dose-dependent effects on glutamate receptors and behaviors. Biol. Psychiatry (Dec), 76: 953-962.
- Yuen EY, Jiang Q, Feng J, Yan Z. (2005) Microtubule regulation of NMDA receptor channels in neurons. J Biol Chem (Aug), 280: 29420-29427.
- Vithlani M, Hines RM, Zhong P, Terunuma M, Hines DJ, Revilla-Sanchez R, Jurd R, Haydon P, Rios M, Brandon N, Yan Z, Moss SJ. (2013) Effects of BNDF on neurogenesis and depression depend upon phosphorylation of the GABAAR gamma2 subunit. J. Neurosci. (Mar), 33: 15567-15577.
- Bibb JA, Chen J, Taylor JR, Svenningsson P, Nishi A, Snyder GL, Yan Z, Sagawa ZK, Ouimet CC, Nairn AC, Nestler EJ, Greengard P. (2001) Effects of chronic exposure to cocaine are regulated by the neuronal protein Cdk5. Nature (Mar), 410(6826): 376-380.
- Chen Q, Veenman L, Knopp K, Yan Z, Medina L, Song WJ, Surmeier DJ, Reiner A. (1998) Evidence for the preferential localization of glutamate receptor-1 subunits of AMPA receptors to the dendritic spines of medium spiny neurons in rat striatum. Neuroscience (Apr), 83(3): 749-761.
- Smith KR, Davenport EC, Wei J, Li X, Pathania M, Vaccaro V, Yan Z, Kittler JT. (2014) GIT1 and bPIX link Rac1 signalling to GABAA receptor cluster stability and inhibitory synapse strength. Cell Reports (Oct), 9: 298-310.
- Chen P, Gu Z, Liu W, Yan Z. (2007) Glycogen synthase kinase 3 regulates NMDA receptor channel trafficking and function in cortical neurons. Mol Pharmacol (Mar), Epub.
- Tyszkiewicz JP, Gu Z, Wang X, Cai X, Yan Z . (2004) Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors enhance NMDA receptor currents via a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism in pyramidal neurons of rat prefrontal cortex. J Physiol (Feb), 554(3): 765-777.
- Lee JB, Wei J, Liu W, Cheng J, Feng J, Yan Z. (2012) Histone Deacetylase 6 gates the synaptic action of acute stress in prefrontal cortex. J. Physiology (Aug), 90: 1535-1546.
Abstracts:
- Feng J, Yan Z, Jiang Q. (2006) Neurotrophic factors stabilize microtubules and protect against rotenone toxicity on dopaminergic neurons. (Sep) 29391-29400
Service Activities:
- NIH; Pathophysiological Basis of Mental Disorders & Addiction (PMDA);; Charter Member (2015–2021)
- Editorial Board Member of JBC; Board Member (2010–2015)
- Regular Member of NIH Study Section (NTRC); Member (2009–2013)
- NIH; Neurotransporters, Receptors & Calcium Signaling (NTRC) study section, NIH;; Charter Member (2009–2013)
- Brain Disorders & Clinical Neuroscience (BDCN) Special Emphasis Panel, NIH;; Grant Reviewer (2007–present)
- NSF; Developmental Neuroscience & Neuronal Glial Mechanism Program, NSF;; Panel Member (2004–2005)